Lombardy Poplar Trees - Growing Tips, Warnings, Uses Lombardy Poplar Trees Lombardy Poplar Trees Is Planting This Traditional Windbreak and Privacy Screen Now a No-No? Lombardy poplars are often seen planted in a row to form a windbreak. Motohiro Sunouchi/Wikimedia Commons Updated March 18, 2016. Taxonomy, Botanical Classification, Traits of Lombardy Poplar Trees Plant taxonomy classifies Lombardy poplar trees as Populus nigra. The most common cultivar is 'Italica.' Like quaking aspens , they are in the willow family and are broadleaf , deciduous trees. Lombardy poplar trees are best known for their columnar form and unusual branching structure. Their branches start close to the ground and parallel the trunk. At maturity they will reach 40-50 feet in height, with a spread of just 10-15 feet. Their fall foliage is a yellow color, but they are not primarily grown for their autumn display value. Growing and Care Tips: Zones, Preferred Conditions, Pests, Diseases, Removal Lombardy poplar trees are grown in planting zones 3-9.

Grow them in well-drained soils in full sun . These trees are susceptible to borers, cytospora canker and bacterial wetwood , reducing their lifespan. But long before they die, they may be disfigured by these pests and diseases, rendering them unattractive as landscape plants and necessitating their removal. continue reading below our video Decor Secrets Home Stagers Don't Want You to Know A similar tree, the upright European aspen (Populus tremula 'Erecta'), is said to be more disease-resistant. When it is time to remove Lombardy poplars, be thorough, removing as much of the root system as possible. Lombardy poplars send out suckers throughout their lives -- even from their stumps after they have been cut down. Some hire pros with stump grinders to help get rid of them. But if you have planted a long row of Lombardy poplars, this can run into quite a bit of money (and it still does not remove the root system); another consideration is that the roots of Lombardy poplars are invasive and damage drainage systems if planted too close by.

Uses for Lombardy Poplar Trees in Landscaping Lombardy poplars are fast-growing trees , growing as much as 6 feet per year. This makes them a popular choice when people want " living wall " privacy screens or windbreaks in a hurry. To serve this function, they are planted in a row, and spaced about 8 feet apart. However, they should be considered only as a stop-gap measure for privacy screens and windbreaks, as they are short-lived, being susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, as mentioned above. Name Origin and Final Thoughts The tree originated in the Italian region known as "Lombardy," thus the origin of the common name. The nigra (Latin for "black") in the scientific name refers to the fact that its fissured bark can appear black from a distance, while the genus name, Populus means poplar tree. Although Lombardy poplars are despised by landscaping professionals , they nonetheless remain a very popular tree with the general public. They exert a fascination over many of us, due to their unusual shape. And the speed with which they ascend to the heavens makes them hard to resist for the impatient.

The reason that Lombardy poplars are held in such low esteem by the pros is that they are short-lived (often succumbing within fifteen years to the problems noted above). However, their short life span does not strip them of all value for the landscape. Here is a strategy to employ for a privacy planting that makes use of their fast growth rate, while compensating for their tendency to decline rapidly: Plant a row of longer-lived screening plants (for instance, Colorado blue spruce trees or arborvitae trees ) where you want your final "living wall" to reside. Then plant a temporary row of Lombardy poplars behind them (so as not to deprive the longer-lived plants of sunlight). The Lombardy poplars will soon be affording some privacy , while you wait for the longer-lived plants to reach maturity. To minimize the spread of the Lombardy poplars' roots, dig a planting trench for them and line its sides with a 40-mil high-impact polyurethane barrier -- as you would do to contain a running bamboo .

Before the Lombardy poplar trees begin to deteriorate (and before their root systems become too well established), remove them, letting the longer-lived plants take over the job of screening out prying eyes. Alternatively, of course, we could just exercise a little more patience and wait for the longer-lived plants to grow. Lombardy Poplar Trees | Buy online at Nature Hills Nursery Enter Zip Code for estimated delivery: Fast-Growing Wind Break If you need a quick privacy hedge or windbreak, or need to screen out an unwanted view - sooner rather than later - then you want the Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra ‘Italica’). This tree shoots skyward to 40 feet, 50 feet or more. And by shooting skyward, we mean that it rockets at a pace of 1 to 6 feet per year! Very few other screening trees will grow this fast. These stately trees have been used in public and private landscapes in Europe since the 1700’s. Andrew Jackson helped popularize them in America in the 1800’s. They were used then to dramatically line roadways or highlight garden edges. Can’t you imagine how they would add height and drama to your yard?

In summer, the heart shaped leaves are green on one side and silver on the other, which makes for a shimmering effect in the slightest breeze. In fall the leaves turn a classic shade of autumn yellow. Tall and columnar, they create a memorable impact wherever they are planted, but especially if planted in a row. Planted at 5’ to 8’ apart, they will make a formidable windbreak in no time. Birds love the shelter and high protection the branches of the Lombardy offer, so you will have plenty of songbirds coming to visit. Go for high impact and don’t buy just one. These trees have got you – or at least that ugly view – covered! * Fast-Growing Poplar Tree | All About Poplar Trees Paper, boxes, veneer Poplar Trees Poplar trees are extremely desirable for homeowners looking to infuse their yards with shade and beauty. The trees are members of the Populus genus. They are fast-growing and thrive in warm conditions. Poplar trees are also very easy to care for which is why they are popular with people who lack landscaping experience.

Appearance of the Tree Poplar Tree Leaves A staple in the Northern Hemisphere, the deciduous Poplar tree can grow to heights exceeding 150 feet. Most Poplars range between 50 and 165 feet and feature large, sturdy trunks that measure up to eight feet in diameter. In addition to their towering size, Poplar trees feature other distinguishable characteristics, including: Leaves: Poplar leaves range in size and shape, though most are oval to heart-shaped and have fine teeth along the edges. The leaves are green in the spring and summer, but turn yellow and gold in the fall. Flowers: The trees have both male and female flowers which bloom in the spring before the leaves appear. The pretty yellow blossoms grow in clusters and hang from the branches. Fruit: Like the flowers, the Poplar fruit appears before the leaves are fully grown. The fruits are small, thick-skinned capsules that feature four valves. Each green to reddish-brown capsule contains dozens of tiny seeds covered with silky white hairs. The fine hairs help the seeds disperse on windy days. Bark: The bark of Poplars is smooth and soft and range in color from white to dark grey.

As the tree matures, the bark becomes rough and uneven; it can also become cracked and wrinkled depending on weather conditions. Most Poplar trees are fast growers, but they also have a short life span of less than 50 years. Poplar Tree Types White Poplar Bark There are more than 35 species of Poplar trees around the world. However, the most popular types are found in North America: White Poplar: This massive Poplar grows up to 100 feet tall and its leaf canopy can spread up to 60 feet wide. The tree thrives in southern states, such as Georgia and South Carolina, where it can bask in warm temperatures. Unlike some of its cousins, the White Poplar has a high drought tolerance and can easily grow in different types of soil and climate conditions. It is known for its large dark green leaves and may have diamond-shaped marks in the bark. Lombardy Poplar: The Lombardy Poplar has a highly distinctive diamond shape. Its bark is long and column-like while its branches extend upward rather than outward from the trunk. The unique growth pattern gives the Poplar the shape of an elongated pyramid.

Eastern Poplar: This extra-large Poplar is also known as the Eastern Cottonwood. It can exceed heights of 100 feet with a trunk size of four feet in diameter. Its leaves are also big and feature serrated edges. Due to its impressive size and need for sunlight, the eastern Poplar is used primarily for shade in large recreational areas. Balsam Poplar: Found throughout the northern portion of the United States, the Balsam Poplar, also known as Black Cottonwood, thrives in swampy soil. It features aromatic fruit clusters that house dozens of seeds. The Many Looks of the Poplar Tree Poplar Tree Leaves Alabama Mississippi The southern portion of the United States makes for an ideal habitat for the Poplar tree because of the region's moist ground. Poplar trees thrive in soil found along riverbeds. In addition, due to their large size, Poplar trees need space to spread out and do not grow well in compact areas where they have a difficult time absorbing nutrients. Popular Uses Poplar Tree Bark The Poplar's eye-pleasing blossoms are an attractive part of the tree; however, its bark and branches are what really make it a hot commodity.

The Poplar's exceptionally flexible wood is used in a variety of different ways to construct: Snowboards Harps Violas In addition, since the 1970s, the Poplar has been used as an energy crop for biofuel systems thanks in large part to its fast growth and large carbon mitigation potential. Interesting Facts The Poplar tree has its roots in ancient Rome. The name Populus refers to the practice of planting the trees near public meeting places in Rome in the early sixth century. The Greeks and Etruscans went on to make shields from Poplar's durable wood, though its versatility doesn't end there. Poplar trees have been embraced throughout the world, including in Japan where the wood is used to make chopsticks and in Europe where tannic acid extracted from the tree's bark is used to create tanning leather. Poplar wood is also prized in Italy where it is used as the base for paintings. In fact, one of the world's most treasured paintings—the Mona Lisa—was created on Poplar. Poplar Diseases Leaf Beetle on Poplar Tree Despite its durability the Poplar is not immortal.

The tree is susceptible to two major diseases: Wetwood: This bacteria causes sap to ferment and ooze out of the tree's cracks. The fermented sap, or flux, has a sour odor and causes ugly grey streaks on the tree's bark. There is no known treatment for the condition which can persist for many years. Canker: Also known as "dieback," the disease is caused by fungi and targets the Lombardy Poplar in particular. Dark holes form where the fungus enters cracks in the tree. These cankers can interfere with water and nutrient flow, and eventually kill the tree. Other enemies of the Poplar include: Leaf-eating caterpillars Poplar Care Prune Off Diseased Poplar Branches Poplar trees prefer wet soils and full sunlight. Since they tower to incredible heights, it is not a good idea to plant Poplartrees near power lines. In addition, since the roots are so large and disruptive, you should not plant a Poplar close to a sidewalk or sewer line.

Other helpful growing tips include: Water the Poplar regularly Select a spot in your yard where water collects and plant your Poplar there Prune off broken, dead or diseased branches Do not plant Poplars if you live in a region which experiences strong winds on a regular basis Treat your Poplar with fungicide in the spring to prevent infections Poplar trees need very little care to grow and prosper, though that perk comes at a price. Since they don't live long, you will have to replant new Poplars every few years if you want to maintain the look of your landscaping. Copyright © 2012 LoveToKnow Corp., All Rights Reserved Poplar Tree Information | Garden Guides Poplar Tree Information Submit Overview Among the largest of the poplar trees native to the United States is the eastern cottonwood, a species capable of growing to 100 feet high with a massive trunk. You may not have room on your acreage for this tree, but other poplar tree options are available. These include species introduced from Europe and Asia that are a more reasonable size for landscaping purposes. Size Opt for such species of poplar as the column-shaped Lombardy poplar, a tree from Europe and western portions of Asia.

This tree grows between 30 and 60 feet tall but is only about 10 feet in width. Consider the white poplar, which has a maximum height of about 80 feet but is significantly smaller in some of its cultivars, with many in the 50-foot range. Bolleana poplar is a cultivar that "reaches 60 to 100 feet in height with a 40- to 50-foot spread and makes a nice shade tree, although it is considered short-lived," according to the U.S. Forest Service's website. Leaves Notice that the leaves of most native poplars have a wide base, toothed edges and taper to a point. Look at the leaves of Lombardy poplar and you will see they have a triangular shape, with some having a contour like a diamond. White poplar leaves possess lobes and have wavy edges. Lombardy poplar leaves are a bright green, while those of the white poplar are blue-green on top with silvery-white undersides. Uses Use a Lombardy poplar as a screen or as a wind-breaker--plant multiple trees in a series.

Use white poplars as a shade tree or a specimen tree to attract attention, as their size makes them more suitable for this function. Choose a Simon poplar, which hails from China, as an ornamental. At about 40 feet, it will not overwhelm an area. Plant Eastern cottonwoods if you have a large open landscape that includes a pond or stream. Place the trees close to the water. Considerations Transplant white poplars into spots where the trees will receive full sun. This species grows best in a setting with moist loam but it has no preference for soil acidity. White poplar tolerates salt, allowing for coastal plantings. Dig up the suckers that develop from the roots and transplant them around your home. Situate Lombardy poplars in full sun, as well, in a place with moist soil. Both trees can withstand dry weather for extended periods. Types Pick the Majestic cultivar of Lombardy poplar for a hardy and fast growing tree. Select Italica if you want a Lombardy poplar that will rapidly grow to as high as 50 feet, but be aware that this species is susceptible to tree diseases, according to the University of Connecticut Plant Database website.

Choose Globosa for a white poplar cultivar that often grows no larger than a shrub. Opt for Siouxland, a hybrid of Eastern cottonwood, if you have the space for a 70-foot tall poplar. Keywords: Lombardy poplar, white poplar, eastern cottonwood poplar, poplar tree, poplar information, poplar leaves About this Author John has written thousands of articles for Demand Studios, Associated Content and The Greyhound Review. A Connecticut native, John has written extensively about sports, fishing, and nature. Populus Poplar cottonwood Dutch treeguide at European trees Poplar genus or Populus. Finding out what Poplar species you are dealing with. Finding out what Poplar species you are dealing with can be a real nuisance. Books that give keys differ from each other when you try to look up a specific tree. Photographs on the internet contradict. This all has to do probably by the high-cultivation factor of these "production" species. Because of inter-breeding species are often more like races, that can and do cross-breed. More often then not poplars are planted and are not "wild".

For Dutch people I'd like to refer to a good review of cultivation races in the Netherlands in [5]. Here some guidance to determine what species a Poplar tree belongs to but please let yourself be guided by looking at the photo's as your main source. You can divide the Dutch Poplars into two main groups: the white/grey poplar and the Aspen, and as second group the Eastern cottonwood/Carolina Poplar/Lombardy poplar. Besides the members of those groups there are some more poplars. According to our elimination principle first the species that are easy to spot: 1. Is the tree column-shaped? -> Lombardy poplar. . This is a mutation of the Populus nigra where the branches are very right-up, giving it a columnar shape. All Lombardy poplars are clones from one male individual and therefore are always planted. Leafs look like the ace of spades. 2. Poplars that have a similar leaf as the lombardy poplar, but that are not column-shaped are in the Eastern cottonwood/Carolina Poplar/Lombardy poplar group.

Often very tall trees with an indistinct crown: just some branches that stick out of a tall tree like a fish-bones coming from the spine of a fish. The trunk, possibly from 2 meters above the ground but also possibly from upto tens of meters, has shiny patches of grey/smooth bark. Leafs in the form of the ace of spades. The petiole (peace of wood that connects the leaf to the twig) is "flat" like a straw that has been squashed. Therefore the leafs make a sound in the wind. The twigs come off easily in the wind: often there are many twigs on the ground beneath the tree. They grow very very tall and fast. Bark is rough to very rough. Often they are planted in the polder. Seed looks like cotton: that's why the name cottonwoods. 3. Trunk is notoriously grey/whitish, a bit like a Birch but differently, from the ground up whitish or maybe from a meter or two up: a white/grey poplar or Aspen. The Aspen has a white trunk form the ground up with barely any real rough bark.

Leafs are all alike: pretty round with lobes (look at the pics and you will immediately recognize it). Big Aspen look like the Carolina group above because they are tall high trees without a real crown. The bark has star-formed "holes" in it you can't miss. If the bark is white-ish almost directly form the ground up (with sometimes parts dark rough bark, often only at one side of the tree), but the leafs are different form the Aspen, and the leafs are not white at the bottom and do not reflect light it is probably a Grey poplar. The grey poplar as a species is a cross-fertilization between the Aspen and the white poplar. In characteristics it stands between these two species. Offspring of the grey polar often do have leafs that are white on the bottom and reflect light. The grey poplar is not as tall as other poplars and has more or less a round crown when it stands alone. The leafs are very variable with lobes and can be from very small with unclear lobes to the size of a hand with clear lobes/fingers like a maple-leaf.

If the tree looks like a grey poplar, but the leafs are clearly white-ish on the bottom and they reflect light and the surface feels/looks like felt it is a White poplar.. You can often recognize these from quite a long distance away (treespotting from quite a long distance away, see Monthy Python) because the crown reflects light. Leafs on the end of twigs look in shape like maple leafs. Leafs at the basis of twigs are smaller, have a less distinct form and are less felty at the bottom. All three species, White/Grey poplar and Aspen have petioles (the piece of wood that connects the leaf to the twig it is on) that are flattened. When a tree looks like a poplar but it does not fit the descriptions given above, the petiole is not flat, there are still a number of species that are possible. Another possibility is the Populus balsamifera of Balsam Poplar: if the petiole is not flattened sideways and the leaf is pretty big and non-lobed and heart-shaped. (3). This species is said to have sticky buds that smell like balsem.

A photograph can be found here Here is another key to figure out what kind of poplar you are dealing with. All photographed poplar species. I do not have photo's of the black poplar. This species is the same as the Lombardy poplar, but without the column shape. deciduous trees Cass County Extension Deciduous (Non-evergreen) Trees Tower Poplar - Leaves are glossy green above and hairy white beneath. Columnar; rapid growth. Branches to the ground; suckers badly. Needs adequate moisture; seedless. Replacement for Bolleana or Lombardy Poplar; more resistant to borers. Bolleana Poplar - Short lived tree (10-20 years). Rapid growing; cut back to rejuvenate. Likes moisture; winter dieback problems especially during drought. Very subject to damage by borers and disease. Not recommended. Lombardy Poplar - Very similar to Bolleana; narrower. Less drought tolerant and somewhat less hardy. Not recommended. Columnar European Aspen - Best of the upright poplars/aspens. Very columnar; dark green foliage. Coarsely toothed leaves. Twisted upper branches; lower trunk is bare. Difficult to propagate.

Needs adequate moisture; borer and canker problem if drought stressed. More resistant to borers than Bolleana or Lombardy. Green Ash - Oval to elliptical spreading crown; 5-7 green semi-glossy leaflets per leaf. Golden-yellow fall color ; loses leaves early. Fairly drought tolerant; tends to be overused. Seeds may be a nuisance; plant male cultivars. Ash galls (male trees, especially species), anthracnose and ash plant bugs can be a problem. Male cultivars include: 'Bergeson' (semi-glossy dark green leaves; tend to be upright, open, and fast growing), `Dakota Centennial' (fastest growing green ash; upright open habit), `Harlequin' (variegated foliage; weaker stemmed and less vigorous), 'Kindred' (dark green, glossy leaves; oval and dense), `Patmore' (similar to `Bergeson'), `Prairie Dome' (globe shaped becoming densely rounded), `Prairie Spire' (fast growing; upright narrow habit), 'Summit' and 'Marshall Seedless' (older cultivars; not as hardy). Overplanted.

Emerald Ash Borer Concerns. Not recommended. Black Ash has 9-11 leaflets on dark green leaves; holds golden yellow leaves late into the fall. Slower growing in drought; narrower than Green Ash. 'Fallgold' (narrow upright form; seedless. Susceptible to male flower gall). `Majors Gold' (upright form; early golden fall color). Black Ash-Manchurian Ash Hybrids `Northern Gem' (rounded growth habit; light seed production); `Northern Treasure' (narrow growth habit; more popular). Not recommended. Manchurian Ash 'Mancana' has a good upright oval shape; dense with 9-11 leaflets per leaf and a golden yellow fall color. Not as drought tolerant as green ash; seedless. White Ash has 5-7 leaflets per leaf and purplish fall color; not very drought tolerant or hardy. 'Autumn Blaze' (oval to roundish shape; light seed production); `Northern Blaze' (oval to roundish shape; hardier than `Autumn Blaze'); `Autumn Purple' (not hardy enough). Not recommended. Boxelder - Medium-large, fast growing tree; easy to transplant.

Very susceptible to herbicide damage and storm injury; weak wood. Poor fall color; tree has a low aesthetic value. `Baron' (seedless). `Sensation' (questionable hardiness). Variegated forms are not hardy. Ohio Buckeye - Medium sized tree with rounded oval, compact growth habit; corky grey bark. Creamy colored blossoms on upright panicles; shiny brown inedible nuts . Yellow to red fall color . Difficult to transplant; plant nuts. Physiological leaf scorch; may defoliate in late July. New cultivars are greatly improved: 'Autumn Splendor' (dark green semi-glossy foliage; no leaf scorch; good purplish-red fall color) and `Homestead' (poorer leaf quality and better fall color than `Autumn Splendor'; reddish fall color and no leaf scorch). Northern Catalpa - Extremely large leaves and showy flowers ; white conspicuously purple spotted. Subject to frequent and extreme dieback because of border line hardiness and high moisture requirement. Kentucky Coffee Tree - Medium sized tree with large doubly pinnate leaves; coarse pods on female trees. Rounded to oval open growth habit.

Attractive in the winter; grayish rustic plate-like bark and coarse, stout branches and twigs. Slow to leaf in spring; good drought tolerance but slow without adequate moisture; difficult to transplant. Yellow fall color. `Stately Manor' (male tree; more upright narrow growth habit). Siouxland Cottonwood - Very large, rapid growing tree; cottonless. Weak structure; breaks up in high winds. Prefers good moisture. Leafspot may be a problem; rust resistant. Tends to be short lived; winter freeze back may occasionally occur. Don't use in small yards or near buildings. Not recommended. Elm - American Elm can't be recommended because of Dutch Elm disease. Japanese-Siberian Elm Hybrids have excellent resistance to Dutch Elm disease. `Sapporo Autumn Gold' (small leaves similar to the Siberian Elm); `Cathedral' (larger glossy leaves; good shape and fast growing), `New Horizon' (larger leaves; hardiness???), and `Vanguard' (fairly glossy larger leaves, more upright shape, good vigor, and look more like the American Elm). Japanese Elm are Dutch Elm Disease resistant. `Discovery' (intermediate leaf size; darker green than Siberian Elm.

Not well tested here). Hackberry - Umbrella to vase shaped; most like the American Elm. Eroded corky bark and light green leaves . Susceptible to spring frost and drought. Slow to become established in heavy soil; spring dormancy problem; sweat out bare root nursery stock. Lemon yellow fall color. Witches broom and nipple gall are cosmetic problems but do not threaten tree survival. Honey Locust - Very small leaflets; provides a very light filtered shade. Fast growing; plant in sod to slow growth in the fall and reduce the risk of freeze back damage. Good drought tolerance; yellow fall color. Susceptible to Nectria canker; pruning opens wounds for canker. Border line in hardiness. Two of the hardier thornless and podless cultivars are 'Imperial' (broad spreading habit) and 'Skyline' (pyramidal, central leader habit; larger size). `Prairie Silk' (horizontal branches; golden fall color. Hardy; may produce seed pods). 'Sunburst' (golden leaves at the tips of growing branches; lacks hardiness; few perform satisfactorily).

American Linden (Basswood) - Tall, rounded tree with heavy foliage; many times multi-trunked in nature. Relatively fast growing but slow to establish for the first few years. Do well in heavy, clay loam soil. Likes moisture; suckers around the base. Fragrant yellow flowers . Yellow fall color. Recommended cultivars include: Boulevard (Pyramidal) American Linden (narrow pyramidal shape), Frontyard Linden (broad pyramidal shape; rounding with age), Redmond Linden (striking pyramidal growth habit; poor fall color. Holds leaves late into fall; twigs reddish-purple color in the winter. Hybrids of American and Littleleaf Linden include: `Dropmore' (narrow pyramidal when young; does well here), `Gleneven' (fast growing with a straight trunk; pyramidal), `Wascana' (hardier, faster growing and wider angled branches than `Dropmore'; pyramidal) Silver Maple - Medium-fast growing large tree with light green leaves and silver-gray bark; yellow fall color. Needs above average moisture. Weak structured tree; strengthen by pruning to one main leader when young.

Not recommended in heavy poorly drained alkaline soils due to iron chlorosis susceptibility. 'Silver Queen' (more upright growing; may sucker at the base; seedless). 'Skinneri' (a cutleaf cultivar; not as adapted as species; semi weeping); `Autumn Blaze' (cross of Silver & Red Maple; dark green leaves . Orange red fall color; good rate of growth. More drought tolerant than Red Maple; additional years are need to fully determine its adaptability and hardiness). Not recommended. Norway Maple - Rounded, dense crown with dark green leaves and white milky sap; provides heavy shade. Usually freeze before good fall color develops. Very susceptible to sunscald; wrap to prevent. No iron chlorosis problem. Not fully hardy. 'Emerald Lustre' (hardiest of the group; semi-glossy foliage; vigorous growth; good branch structure). Red leafed types are very borderline. 'Royal Red' (appears to be hardiest red leafed cultivar; slower growing than the green leafed forms). Sugar Maple - Hardy, dense shapely rounded tree valued for its brilliant yellow to reddish fall color; questionable performance in alkaline soil.

Don't like dry hot soil; mulch trees to retain cool moister soil conditions. For better success, try seedlings from it's western most native range. `Green Mountain' (one of the best cultivars; thick leaves covered with a waxy covering; more drought tolerant; upright oval shape; scarlet fall color) Red Maple - Showy red flowers in spring before green leaves open; red or yellow fall color. Prefer moist, slightly acidic soil. Don't like poorly drained, heavy soil. Iron chlorosis is a problem. Performance is questionable in droughty alkaline soils; slow growing. Most adapted cultivars from Minnesota sources include: `Autumn Spire' (broad columnar form; early fall dormancy with red color), `Firedance' (medium sized, oval shaped tree with a good branching habit; red fall color), `Northwood' (Rounded oval crown; good branching. Red fall color). Bur Oak - Large rounded tree with dark green lustrous leaves; very strong branched. Slow growing and long lived. Drought and alkaline tolerant; doesn't like poor drainage. Difficult to transplant because of the tap root; plant acorns.

Interesting winter appearance due to corky ridges on stout branches. Mongolian Oak is slow growing, drought tolerant and transplants well. Glossy leaves tend to cluster at the tips of branches. Coppery burnt fall color; retains leaves into the fall and winter. Swamp White Oak has glossy green leaves; tolerates wet soil but is drought resistant. Prefers acidic soil; iron chlorosis is a problem in alkaline or heavy soil. Good transplant success. Red Oak and Northern Pin Oak have very questionable performance in droughty alkaline soil. Two of the fastest growing oaks; good success transplanting. Good red fall color. Fairly susceptible to Oak Wilt. Hybrid Poplars--- Robusta Poplar - Vigorous large tree with a fast growth rate; weak structured. Intermittent winter injury is a serious problem in shelterbelts. Grows good for a few years and then dies back. Seedless. Northwest Poplar - similar to Robusta but more drought tolerant and hardier. May defoliate prematurely due to rust and leaf spot diseases. `Assiniboine' (semi-upright, hardy, fairly disease resistant but susceptible to iron chlorosis in heavy soils; seedless.

`Imperial' (male with excellent growth and disease resistance; may have winter dieback particularly following dry summers). `Prairie Sky' (hardy, male, single-trunked; rapid growth and fairly good disease resistance). White Poplar - Dark green lobed leaves with wooly white undersides; light gray to near white upper trunk and branches. Often confused with the Silver Maple. Wood is brittle; roots clog drains. Rapid growing; suckers profusely. Shallow rooted. Most drought resistant poplar. Use in parks or large areas only. Balsam Poplar has light colored smooth bark; smooth shiny leaves with large resinous buds. Balsam like fragrance; female trees produce objectionable "cotton". Black Walnut - Medium sized tree with large, dark green compound leaves; drop after the first fall frost. Yellow fall color. Difficult to transplant; taproot. Use local hardy seed source for nuts. Fast growing when young. Don't plant in or near a vegetable garden. Nuts are useable in cooking; wood is prized for lumber and woodworking. Butternut - small to medium sized tree usually with low spreading branches and light grey bark. Leaves are very similar to Black Walnut.

Nuts are oval or elliptical in shape. Quaking Aspen - Slender straight tree with interesting light gray-green or gray-white bark; rounded leaves are attractive and 'tremble' in light breezes. Spreads by suckers and forms thickets. Susceptible to drought and canker. Rapid growing, short lived and prefers moist conditions; yellow fall color. `Pike's Bay' (lighter colored bark; may be more canker resistant). European (Swedish) Aspen is similar to Quaking Aspen. Broader growth habit than Columnar European Aspen but with same growth requirements and problems. European White Birch - Medium-small tree with glossy green leaves and peeling white bark; even at a young age. Yellow fall color . Variable but graceful growth habit; commonly grown in clumps. Usually somewhat short-lived (10-20 years) in our area; due to low rainfall, heavy alkaline soil and the Bronze Birch Borer, which attacks weakened trees. `Crimson Frost' (new, glossy purple-red leafed hybrid with foliage superior to `Purple Rain'), `Purple Rain' (purple colored leaves). Asian (Japanese) White Birch has varying resistance to borers.

`Dakota Pinnacle' (NDSU introduction; upright columnar growth habit. Borer tolerance above normal) 'Whitespire' (similar to the European White Birch but has non peeling bark; reported to be resistant to the borer). `Whitespire Sr.' (tissue cultured; good borer resistance). Fountain Birch - small shrubby tree; dark bronzy bark and multiple trunk; severe leafspot problem in eastern North Dakota or humid areas. Paper Birch - Attractive white bark, sometimes peeling; red-brown twigs. Bark doesn't turn white until stems and branches reach 2-3" in diameter. Commonly grown in clumps; yellow fall color. Duller foliage and slightly slower growing than European White Birch but less susceptible to birch borer. May be short lived in hot, dry or alkaline soil conditions. Use Northern Plains seed source. River Birch has very shaggy, interesting, peeling reddish brown bark; likes moisture but not heavy soil. Resistant to Bronze Birch Borer. Borderline in hardiness. Same problems with environment as other birch; more susceptible to iron chlorosis. `Heritage' (lighter bark color than species).

Canada Red Cherry (Schubert Chokecherry) - Purple leaves selection of chokecherry; needs good drainage. Leafs out green but turns purple; fruit is an edible chokecherry. Valuable tree because of its color; don't overuse due to X-disease and Black Knot disease . Best used in borders, screens and masses, not as a single-trunked specimen, due to suckering. Canada Red Select Cherry was selected for vigorous growth, straight trunk and uniform top; darker red, thicker leaves. Amur Chokecherry - Upright to rounded growth habit; may be grown in clumps. White flowers like chokecherry. Very attractive coppery bark , sometimes peeling; striking in the winter scene. Non-suckering. Tends to be short lived; bark cracks and injury; Black Knot can be a problem. Flowering Crabs - Medium-small flowering tree; fruits vary from 1/2-1 1/2" in diameter. Many retained into the winter; attracts birds. Flowers last only for a short time; fade fast in hot springs. Coppery-red to yellowish fall color .

Fireblight, scab, sunscald and iron chlorosis can be a problem. `Centurion' (rose-pink flowers; clinging cherry red fruits. Upright twig growth; disease resistant), `Coralburst (double pink flowers; few �" fruits. Small tree grafted on a standard; small dark green leaves), `David' (spreading form; white flowers; red 1/2" fruits; semi-persistent.), 'Dolgo' (white flowered jelly crab), `Jackii' (round form; white flowers; small pea-sized reddish-yellow fruits; semi-persistent; disease resistant), `Kelsey' (double pink flowers; persistent, dark red fruits; spreading growth), `Prairifire' (upright rounded shape; dark pink flowers.

Persistent, 1/2" dark red fruits; disease resistant), `Profusion' (rounded shape; heavy bloomer; rosy pink single flowers; persistent 1/2" red fruits), `Radiant' (Deep rose pink flowers; slow to fade; serious apple scab problem), 'Red Splendor' (deep pink flowers ; fade fast; glossy, cherry red 1/2" fruits ; retained well through winter), 'Selkirk' (rosy flowers fading to pink; glossy foliage and semi-persistent red fruits), 'Spring Snow' (white flowers; no fruit; oval dense shape is attractive), `Snowdrift (white flowers; 3/8" orange-red fruits. Fireblight can be a serious problem; scab), 'Thunderchild' (deep purple leaves; rose-pink flowers and few red-purple fruits. Disease resistant; replacement for 'Royalty' which is highly fireblight susceptible), `Vanguard' (narrow vase-shaped when young; rose-pink flowers. Scab can be a problem), and 'Weeping Candied Apple' (hardiness?? ; pink flowers and bright red fruits; scab problem).

Amur Cork Tree - Medium single or multi-trunk tree with broad spreading crown; soft coarse deeply fissured bark . Massive heavy branching gives interesting winter appearance. Female trees produce small black drupes. Fast growing when young; much slower in sod. Needs moisture; not good in droughty conditions. 'Macho' (male clone, borderline hardiness). Sakhalin Cork Tree is similar and may be preferable to Amur Cork Tree when more widely tested. `His Majesty' (vigorous growing male; higher headed). Ginkgo - Medium sized; pyramidal when young, spreading with age. Fan shaped leaves ; fruits have a bad smell and are messy. Yellow fall color; borderline hardiness. Occasionally freezes back. `Autumn Gold' (male). Hawthorn - Medium-small tree; slow growing. Good drought tolerance but likes moisture. White or pink flowers; red fruits. Not easy to transplant; slow to establish. Use thornless cultivars. 'Thornless Cockspur' (glossy holly-like foliage, white flowers and rose-pink fruits which drop; purplish fall color.

Best cultivar; good disease resistance), 'Snowbird' (double white flowers , semi-glossy foliage and few fruits; hardier than `Toba'. Few thorns; rust problem), 'Toba' (white flowers age to pink; double and fragrant; fireblight and rust susceptible; not as good as other two). Ironwood (American Hop-hornbeam) - Slender oval to pyramidal, dense, shapely, small tree; shaggy bark which exfoliates in strips. Yellow fall color; leaves turn coppery brown and often cling in winter. Very slow growing; slow to establish. Likes cool moist soil; not drought tolerant. Deer love; too infrequently used. Japanese Tree Lilac - Attractive foliage and large cream-white flowers in June; clusters of tannish colored seed structures are attractive into the winter. Informal multi-trunk growth habit. Needs good drainage and full sun. `Ivory Silk' (compact oval form; slow to establish; bloom and foliage better than species). Pekin Lilac is similar but slightly smaller in size, flowers slightly earlier and has a somewhat finer texture. Exfoliating copper brown bark; shaggy.

Siberian Larch - Delicate, feathery bright green needles ; drop in the fall. Has good yellow fall color. Rapid growing with good moisture but must transplant in the fall; very early spring growth. American Larch is a boggier tree; not as satisfactory here. European Larch also performs satisfactory in Northern Plains. Littleleaf Linden - Small to medium size and slow growing; can be grown in a multi-trunked growth habit. Coppery brown bark on limbs; leaves are about 1/2 the size of American Linden. Dense foliage with an oval shape; yellow fall color. Prefers a moist site; does well in heavy clay loam soils. Slow to establish. `Golden Cascade' (cascading rounded crown, golden fall color, and some sunscald resistance), 'Greenspire' (more upright narrow growth habit), `Norlin' and `Shamrock' (hybrids; faster growing and larger leaves. More resistance to sunscald), Mongolian Linden - Broad pyramidal shape with coppery colored bark; lobed leaves. Yellow fall color; hardy. `Harvest Gold' (upright form, exfoliating bark, glossy foliage, and yellow fall color).

Amur Maackia - Small tree with round spreading shape and smooth patchy bark; creamy white summer flowers and small flat seed pods. Slow growing, especially in droughty soils. Susceptible to spray drift. Hardy. Amur Maple - Small tree or large shrub; orange-red to purple-red fall color in many years. Single or multi-trunked. Slow growth in heavy soil. One of the most adapted maples. `Embers' and `Red Wing' (similar to species with scarlet-red samaras and scarlet-red fall color; iron chlorosis can be a problem). `Flame' (less hardy than species; good red fall color). Tatarian Maple - Slightly larger and coarser with duller foliage. Golden fall color; beautiful reddish-rose samaras. Reputed to have better tolerance to alkaline soil. May Day Tree - Small to medium sized spreading tree with clusters of white highly fragrant flowers; black fruits. Tends to be low branching; no suckers. Serious Black Knot disease problem. Not recommended. Purple leafed form available. European Mountain Ash - Small to medium sized tree with clusters of small cream colored flowers and orange berries ; red-bronze fall color .

Holds fruits into the fall rarely into winter; good source of bird food. Needs good drainage but doesn't do well in dry exposed areas. Fireblight and sunscald can be a problem. `Cardinal Royal' (upright oval growth habit; cardinal red fruits). American Mountain Ash is similar to the European species; smaller fruits and sticky non hairy buds. Showy Mountain Ash is smaller than the European species; larger leaves and somewhat larger, bright red fruits; slow growing. Yellow to golden fall color; more susceptible to iron chlorosis. Oakleaf Mountain Ash is a small tree with lobed leaves. Fireblight? Ussurian Pear - Oval to round tree with dark green leathery leaves ; white flowers . Hardiest pear; good fireblight resistance but not immune. Prefers well drained soil. `Prairie Gem' (smaller and more dense rounded shape; thicker, semi-glossy leaves; no fruit without a pollinator; fruit is 1" in diameter, gritty and of little value; golden yellow fall color; good substitute for the non-hardy Callery Pear which is popular in Zones 5-6). `Mountain Frost' (more upright form).

Princess Kay Plum - Small narrow tree; showy double white flowers. Yellowish-red 1" fruits; yellow fall color. Slow to establish. Black Knot can be a problem. Mediocre performance under stress; mulch. Russian Olive - Small to medium sized tree with silvery foliage; yellow fragrant flowers and bitter olive like fruits. Must be pruned or will become shrubby. Tubercularia Canker gets into open wounds from hail and pruning; problem with wilt diseases. Drought tolerant; subject to breakage and tends to have a weak root system. Very hardy foliage accent plant. Over planted in shelterbelts; spreads by seed. Autumn Olive is a large shrub with less silvery foliage and noticeably more spiny than Russian Olive. Allegheny Serviceberry-Small multi-stemed tree with smooth gray bark; much larger than Juneberry. White flowers and coppery-gold fall color; has done well in local trials. Fruit not as tasty as Juneberry. Apple Serviceberry `Autumn Brilliance' has heavy stems; holds leaves well for good fall color. Moderate spreading branches; resists ice breakage. Iron chlorosis can be a problem.

Princess Diana does better here; silver grey bark and branches. Staghorn Sumac - Small tree or large shrub. Velvet haired branches earn it the name. Good fall color but suckers and forms thickets; male and female plants. Winter freeze back is common; borderline hardiness. Cutleaf form has very ferny foliage. Willows--- Laurel Leaf Willow - Small-medium sized tree with a dense rounded form; often shrubby. Dark green glossy leaves with a leathery texture; twigs are brittle but not as messy as other Willows. Avoid droughty alkaline soil; iron chlorosis can be a problem. Needs good moisture; sometimes short lived. Redstem Willow has red to red-orange shinny twigs; best color on young twigs. Cut back each year and grown as a shrub. Superior to Golden Willow; more upright and less twig shed. 'Flame' (denser and more compact; golden yellow fall color and good orange-red winter twig color), Siberian White Willow (Silky White) has silvery-gray silky leaves; hardy but has drought problems.

`Golden Curls and `Scarlet Curls are hybrids that resembles corkscrew willow; appears to be hardier. `Scarlet Curls is hardier than `Golden Curls. Goat Willow (French Pussy Willow) is not hardy; terrible winter dieback. Daphne Willow is a good substitute; large showy catkins. Cutleaf Weeping Birch - Slender pendulous branches with deeply lobed or lacy leaves. Life expectancy is similar to European White Birch; problems are also similar, e.g., highly susceptible to Bronze Birch Borer. Weeping Willow (Niobe Weeping Willow) - Large, rapid growing and attractive in the landscape; don't use in small yards. Long pendulous golden-yellow stems which hang to the ground, necessitating pruning. Sheds twigs in wind storms; very messy. Sunscald and winter dieback are problems. Prairie Cascade Willow has darker green, glossier leaves than Niobe but not as weeping; duller yellow-green twigs. May have some winter dieback, often drought related. Likes moist areas but is slow to harden up in wet falls. Northern Fountains Willow is a new Manitoba introduction.

Glossy green leaves; new twigs are golden yellow in color. Todd Weinmann, Extension Horticulturist & Master Gardener Coordinator Phone: (701) 241-5707 Lombardy Poplar Tree - populus nigra for Sale - Brighter Blooms Nursery Reviews Makes a Living Wall in Just One Year! Impatient and in need of a windbreak, privacy screen or living wall? Then the Lombardy Poplar is definitely for you. Plant 5-8 feet apart and this columnar-shaped tree will quickly form a dense, green screen. These privacy trees grow up to 6 feet or more per year! Reduce your heating and cooling costs by planting a wind or sun screen. Obtain the look of the Italian countryside with a tall, fast-growing alternative that originates from the Lombardy region of Italy. The tree looks like a conifer, but is actually in the willow family... that's why it grows so fast. The Lombardy Poplar's vertical branches grow up, rather than out, giving you dense privacy. In the fall, the tree turns a brilliant golden-yellow. The birds love it for shelter in inclement weather and for nesting. When will I get my plants?

Question: European and Lombardy are varieties of which tree?
Answer: POPLAR